Glossary definition: Non-Repudiation

Non-Repudiation: Ensuring Data Integrity

Non-repudiation is a concept in computer science and cryptography that ensures that a party to a transaction or communication cannot deny having performed a certain action. It is a form of evidence that provides proof of the origin and delivery of data, as well as proof of the integrity of the data in question. Non-repudiation is used to prevent the sender of a message from later denying having sent the message, and to prevent the recipient from denying having received it. Non-repudiation is typically achieved through the use of digital signatures, timestamping, and other cryptographic techniques. Digital signatures are used to authenticate the identity of the sender and verify that the message has not been tampered with. Timestamping is used to prove that the message was sent at a certain time. Other cryptographic techniques, such as message authentication codes and hash functions, are used to verify the integrity of the data. Non-repudiation is an important element of secure communication, as it provides a means of ensuring that the sender and receiver of a message can be held accountable for their actions.